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Colorado Cyberbullying Bill Advances

DENVER (AP) — Bullying through text messages or social media platforms would be a new crime in Colorado under a bill that won initial approval in the House Monday.

The bill would make it a misdemeanor to inflict “serious emotional distress on a minor” through cyberbullying.

Supporters say having a specific penalty on the law books would help crack down on the crime. The Colorado Criminal Defense Bar opposes the measure, saying the crime is already handled with the state’s current harassment statute.

The bill faces a more formal House vote before it proceeds to the Senate.